How to Connect DSL Step-by-Step
DSL is a method used by Internet service providers to offer connections to their customers. DSL stands for Digital Subscriber line. DSL connections are different from cable connections, but still hook up in a straight forward and simple manner. As long as you follow the steps provided to you by your ISP, it should be easy to complete a successful self-install of DSL service. Assuming that you have obtained a self-install Internet kit and modem from your Internet service provider, it will take just a few steps to get your service connected.
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Instructions
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Pick up a home install kit or have one delivered to you from your chosen Internet service provider. Make sure that you have service set up with them and that your Internet is ready to be accessed.
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Remove your installation kit from the package and make sure that you have everything. Some ISPs re-purpose these modems after they are returned by former customers, so you have to make sure you have everything that is required. At the very least, you should have a telephone cord, the modem, a power supply and an ethernet cable. Other items may be included depending on your provider.
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Follow any instructions that came with your DSL installation kit if they contradict any of these instructions. Otherwise, connect the line that runs from your ISP's jack in your home to the jack that it fits in on the back of your modem. Plug the ethernet cable into the LAN jack in the modem, and then plug it into the ethernet LAN port in your computer. Then, plug in the modem. You may need to place a filter between your phone line and the modem. Make sure the line is plugged into the correct side of the filter.
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Restart your computer if a message does not appear that states that a new network connection has been detected.
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Open your network setup wizard and follow the prompts. You can find it in the "Network and Internet" panel of the control panel on a Windows computer. On a Mac, go to system preferences and select "Network." If your DSL company gave you software that needs to be installed, do that first and follow the steps provided in the software. Any instructions provided to you by your ISP supersede any generalized steps. You will need a password and likely a username that should be provided to you by your ISP. You will also need to set a username and password for your home network.
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Tips & Warnings
Make sure all the lights are on on the modem if you are having problems connecting. If the "Internet" or "DSL" light is not on, power cycle the modem once and see if that resolves the problem. If it does not, you should check with your ISP to make sure that your service is connected.
You will need to put a DSL filter on any phone line that is going to provide the signal for a regular telephone, otherwise service disruptions will occur.
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- Photo Credit DSL Modem Detail image by Rob Hill from Fotolia.com
